Nepal houses a large number of sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and heritage centers. So Nepal is naturally a center of world interest of the Buddhists of the world and subject of pride and honor for all Buddhist Community of the world. The presence of majestic Swoyambhu Stupa, Boudha Nath Stupa along with Charumati Stupa, Jamacho Stupa, Vajrayogini Temple, Mahaboudha Monastery and several small and big chaityas and Buddhist monuments, viharas and temples of ancient times in Nepal in abundance have turned Nepal into a distinct world Buddhist pilgrimage center of great archeological and historical value and religious significance.

Situated on the foothills of the Churiya range of Nepal in the district of Rupendehi, 300 km southwest of the capital Kathmandu, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the greatest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and peace seekers of the world. It is a pilgrimage site for all who cherish peace and harmony. It is a World Heritage Site. Lord Buddha was born here in the 6th century B.C. The Buddha himself proclaimed Lumbini as one of the foremost pilgrimage site among the famous Chatumahasthana (the four great places of birth, enlightenment, sermon and mahaparinirvana) . The single most important spot at Lumbini for Buddhists is the stone slab located deep in Sanctorum or the Sacred Birth Place, while the primary attraction of Lumbini is the Sacred Garden. The sacred pool Puskarini lies in this garden where Mayadevi took a holy dip before giving birth to the Buddha.

The Lumbini Buddhist Circuit Tour provides insight into the life of Lord Buddha and the development of Buddhism. There are 62 archeological sites scattered outside the Lumbini Garden. The tour goes through Tilaurakot,. Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Araurakot, Devdaha and Ramagram, all bearing significance to the life, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Tilaurakot: The ancient capital of Sakya Kingdom (Kapilvastu) is located some 27 km west of Lumbini. There are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and wall. The palace is made by bricks.

Niglihawa: About 8 km northeast of Taulihawa. The site for the Asokan Pillar and pond known as Niglisagar where Kanakmuni Buddha was born, enlightened and met his father.

Arorakot: About 3km northwest of Niglihawa is a rectangular fortified area popularly known as Arorakot, which is believed to be the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha.

Sagarhawa: About 12 km north of Taulihawa is the forest of Sagarhawa, the site where Shakyas were massacred.

Gotihawa: About 5 km southwest of Taulihawa, the site for Asokan Pillar where Krakuchhanda Buddha was born and attained nirvana.

Kudan: The ancient Nyagrodharama, where king Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha, first time after returning from cosmic enlightenment. It is about 3 km southwest of Taulihawa.

Devdaha: The famous ancient capital of Koliya Kingdom, the maternal hometown of Queen Maya Devi, Prajapati and Princess Yasodhara, situated at about 57 km northeast of Lumbini.

Ramagrama: The relic stupa of Lord Buddha (one of eight astha dhatu) was built by the king of Ramagrama, who was the eight king to obtain the Buddha’s relic. Buddhist literary sources mention that Emperor Asoka wanted to open it to multiply into eight four thousand. However the Dragon King and people of Ramagrama did not permit. This brick stupa standing 7 meters high on the bank of the Jharahi Rivers.

Map of Nepal with Limbini, Birthplace of Lord Buddha (Click to enlarge)

Visitors are drawn to Nepal by its unparallel natural beauty, the challenge of its terrain, its rich wildlife and unique cultural heritage. Tourism in Nepal varies from less adventure pleasurable activities such as village visits, home-stays, and half-to full-day walking and hiking circuits for non-trekkers, to adventures and challenging trekking, mountaineering and white-water rafting. This combination of spectacular and diverse tourism resources and a largely rural based population, coupled with the pressing need to deliver development to the remote rural areas, have necessitated the development of eco tourism in Nepal.

With its spectacular natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Nepal has a comparative advantage in terms of eco tourism development. Further, as trekkers in Nepal are inevitability attracted to landscape and bio diversity, and nature tourists for wandering through the mountains, Nepal presents an excellent example of a destination where eco tourism overlaps with adventure tourism and the two are often indistinguishable. Beside the major trekking routes in the Annapurna, Khumbu and Langtang areas, protected areas have a major role in eco tourism. With more than 18 percent of the country’s land being covered by protected areas, and more than 50 percent of tourists to Nepal visiting at least one of these areas, the protected area network plays an important role in eco tourism development in Nepal.

Website Design by: ntechnology.net